Our view: Downtown's revival is promising

Downtown Monroe may not be the commercial hub of northeastern Louisiana as in was through the 1950s, but it has come a long way since its nearly complete dilapidation in the 1980s.

The ongoing revival of downtown Monroe can be attributed to private and public investment.

Vantage Health Plan and its chief executive Dr. Gary Jones have made the biggest impact so far, filling downtown with hundreds of jobs.

But other developers like Wayne Williamson, Melody Olson, Michael Echols and Matt Sanderson are injecting capital and energy there, as was illustrated by a Sunday story in The News-Star.

Government has done its part, first with the RiverMarket boardwalk and gazebo, which are supported by the city and its staff and funded by the city and state.

Advocacy groups such as the Ouachita Riverfront Development Commission and Downtown Economic Development District lobby for funding and projects.

The RiverMarket provides a festival atmosphere on the fall and spring weekends when it's open for vendors and visitors, but the structure has become a gathering place even absent an event. It's a favorite spot for prom photos and a fine place to take in the beautiful Ouachita River.

And now the promise of an expanded $3.5 million elevated river walk is on the way if Gov. Bobby Jindal approves a first $475,000 state appropriation that was initiated by state Rep. Jay Morris, R-Monroe, in the House and bumped up by state Sen. Francis Thompson, D-Delhi, in the Senate.

That followed a $60,000 grant from the city for a feasibility study.

"Private investors have had a huge effect on reclaiming downtown," said Monroe Mayor Jamie Mayo. "It's been a good working relationship between public and private sectors working to make a difference. You see a lot of positive changes because of property owners and investors as well as public interest."

"When you see your downtown, that's what people think when they look at your city. They get a mental image," Sanderson said. "I've lived here all my life, and I'm going to live here a long time. I want our community to be successful. I want it to be an attractive place to come."

Sanderson and others are continuing to infuse capital into restaurant, residential and retail developments that should continue the rebirth of downtown.

We hope the city and state will continue to complement those private investments with more parking, pedestrian lighting and other infrastructure improvements.

If so, downtown Monroe will continue to evolve into a destination for those who live here and for visitors as well.

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Our view: Downtown's revival is promising

Downtown Monroe may not be the commercial hub of northeastern Louisiana as in was through the 1950s, but it has come a long way since its nearly complete dilapidation in the 1980s.